Several of Senator Andre Jacque’s bills passed in the Senate this week.
Among them is Assembly Bill 89, which responds to the rise in retail theft and losses by small businesses by allowing prosecutors to aggregate the value of items stolen and increase penalties for repeat offenses to allow for stronger criminal charges.
The New Franken Senator noted that “Modern thieves have often chosen to strategically move from store to store in an attempt to evade and limit punishment,” and that closing this loophole will hold them accountable.
Also passing in the Senate was the Preserve Our Wisconsin Legacy Act, which makes it a Class I felony to damage or graffiti historical monuments in Wisconsin.
A similar bill was vetoed by Governor Tony Evers in 2022.
Also among the bills making strides in Madison was the bipartisan legislation known as Senate Bill 387.
This measure aims to expand the eligibility for being granted the “Veteran” designation on a driver’s license or state-issued identification card.
Sen. Jacque said of the bill, “Over the years, I have spoken with many veterans who have expressed frustration with the lack of clarity on what the qualifications are for obtaining a veteran status designation on a driver’s license, and why their honorable service did not meet current criteria. SB 387 will clear up the existing confusion many of our veterans now experience.”
